A 29-year-old Fort Pierce man was arrested recently and taken into custody after failing to come to a complete stop at the corner of North 33rd Street and Angle Road. Upon searching the man, police allegedly came across a small quantity of marijuana and $5,870 in cash. A search of the man’s vehicle reportedly produced a handgun under the driver’s seat. He was charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of a firearm without a permit. The man was released from the St. Lucie County Jail after posting $4,500 in bail. It appears as if the defendant has a history of at least one prior drug-related arrest dating back to 2007.

The Gun Charge is a Felony

Possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana in Florida is a first degree misdemeanor that’s punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine not to exceed $1,000. Jeffrey H. Garland is a Port Saint Lucie criminal defense attorney who is extensively experienced in defending Florida gun charges. He advises that on the gun charge, the man is looking at a third degree felony that’s punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000.

Florida’s Harsh Gun Laws

Florida has some of the harshest gun laws in the United States. A person can be sentenced to 10 years in prison for just possessing a firearm while committing a crime, and 20 years if that firearm is discharged during the commission of that crime. An individual faces between 25 years to life in prison if he or she inflicts injury or kills another person with a gun during the commission of a crime.

If you’ve been charged with a gun crime, anywhere along Florida’s Treasure Coast, contact Jeffrey H. Garland at (772) 242-6380. He’s an aggressive, dedicated, respected and board certified Port Saint Lucie criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of experience in gun cases. He’ll listen carefully to your side of the story and fully review all of the facts surrounding your case. Then he’ll answer your questions, explain the legal process that you’ll be going through and advise you of what he might be able to do for you. Don’t give the police a statement or confession of any kind. Invoke your rights, and call Port Saint Lucie criminal defense attorney Jeffrey H. Garland at (772) 242-6380 right away after any gun arrest.